Ponyboy Curtis and his brothers Darry and Sodapop are greasers, rough youths from their Southwestern city's poorer neighborhood. The greasers are harrassed by a rival group, the more affluent Socs (Socials). Pony loves books and school but is also fiercely loyal to his group. He admires Soda but resents Darry, who has worked to keep the boys together since their parents' death eight months earlier.
At the drive-in, Pony and Johnny intervene when their friend Dallas annoys Cherry and Marcia, two Soc girls. Pony is surprised that he and Cherry can talk easily and seriously. Returning home late, Pony is reprimanded and slapped by Darry. Pony runs from the house to find Johnny, who consoles him by describing his own parents' indifference and brutality.
Ponyboy Curtis and his brothers Darry and Sodapop are greasers, rough youths from their Southwestern city's poorer neighborhood. The greasers are harrassed by a rival group, the more affluent Socs (Socials). Pony loves books and school but is also fiercely loyal to his group. He admires Soda but resents Darry, who has worked to keep the boys together since their parents' death eight months earlier.
At the drive-in, Pony and Johnny intervene when their friend Dallas annoys Cherry and Marcia, two Soc girls. Pony is surprised that he and Cherry can talk easily and seriously. Returning home late, Pony is reprimanded and slapped by Darry. Pony runs from the house to find Johnny, who consoles him by describing his own parents' indifference and brutality.